The New England Patriots lost their regular season opener to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but some good news is on the way in the form of more Rob Gronkowski who was limited in the opener after the team was cautious in his recovery from ACL surgery.
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Gronkowski was brought back slowly throughout training camp and the preseason schedule where he did not play in a single exhibition game as the team wisely held him out of action where a possible setback could have derailed his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered last season.
He had four receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown last week after being listed as questionable on the injury report and head coach Bill Belichick saying he would be limited during the game.
Gronkowski is listed as probably for their Week 2 game at the Minnesota Vikings which should result in an uptick in playing time for the former All-Pro tight end.
Tom Brady and the Patriots offense need him to play his customary role after being shutout in the second half against the Dolphins when Brady and the Patriots had little success in the passing game.
The Patriots have other issues on offense, particularly protecting Brady after Cameron Wake dominated the line in the opener after they traded Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins and finding a consistent threat in the passing game opposite Julian Edelman, especially a down field threat.
Nevertheless, more from Gronkowski should result in more red zone trips and more targets for one of the game’s best.